The suspect, identified as Peter Kanumbi, had been on the run since March 12, 2026, when he is alleged to have killed Betty Wanjiru Nyaga, a teacher in Mwea East, Mwea East.
Police said Kanumbi went into hiding shortly after the incident, prompting a sustained manhunt that lasted several months and involved intelligence-led tracking across multiple counties.
Investigators eventually traced him to Mpeketoni, where he was reportedly preparing to flee the country through the Kenya–Somalia border to evade arrest.
Detectives moved in swiftly and cornered the suspect before he could allegedly cross into Somalia, bringing an end to what officers described as a prolonged cat-and-mouse pursuit.
The arrest was the result of coordinated surveillance and intelligence sharing between county units and specialized investigators, who had been monitoring the suspect’s movements since the murder incident.
After his arrest, Kanumbi was escorted back to Kirinyaga County, where he was later presented before the Kerugoya Law Courts.
During the court session, investigators applied for custodial orders to allow them additional time to complete their inquiries and gather further evidence linked to the case.
The court granted detectives a five-day custodial order, allowing them to continue holding the suspect as investigations proceed.
Police say the arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the case, which had drawn public concern following the killing of the teacher earlier in the year.
Residents of Mwea East had previously called for swift action, urging authorities to intensify efforts to track down the suspect and ensure justice for the victim.
Security officials noted that the operation demonstrated improved coordination between county-based detectives and specialized intelligence units in tracking suspects who attempt to evade arrest by moving across regions.
Authorities further indicated that the suspect’s alleged attempt to flee through the northern coastal route underscored the urgency of his capture.